Giuggiulena in Syracuse, Sicily

Giuggiulena is built directly into the cliff, offering guests a private staircase to the Ionian Sea for swimming and snorkeling. The hotel provides water shoes, snorkels, masks, and fins, as well as sun loungers and inflatables for use on the rocks. A rooftop terrace with panoramic ocean views features an honor bar, while bicycle rentals and guided walking tours are available for exploring the coast.

All 9 rooms overlook the Ionian Sea, with most featuring a balcony or terrace and some offering a private sundeck accessed by a spiral staircase. Each room includes air conditioning, a minibar, a satellite TV with pay-per-view channels, and memory foam pillows upon request. The rooms are spacious and decorated with hand-painted tiles, and the hotel provides a lift to all floors except the roof.

Breakfast is a continental spread of Sicilian specialties served on the terrace overlooking the sea, including homemade cakes, fresh fruit, cheeses, salamis, and eggs cooked to order. The hotel offers evening meals on select days, prepared by chef Claudia, featuring authentic local dishes such as bruschetta, fresh fish, and homemade cannoli. A self-serve honor bar is available on the roof terrace, and special diet menus and kids' meals can be arranged.

Giuggiulena accommodates families with two-bedroom apartments featuring large private terraces, and offers babysitting services, board games, and a kid-friendly buffet. Concierge service includes arranging airport transfers, valet parking, restaurant reservations, and ticket bookings for local attractions. On-site spa services such as full body, foot, and neck massages are available, along with laundry, dry cleaning, and ironing.

The hotel is a 20-minute walk from the historic island of Ortigia, with bus line 105 stopping directly outside. Nearby landmarks include the Ancient Greek Theatre, the Latomie dei Cappuccini garden, and the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, all within walking distance or a short taxi ride. The A18 motorway provides easy road access, and secured garage parking is available for small cars such as a VW Golf.

Location: 20-minute walk to Ortigia, bus at door

Rooms: All 9 rooms with Ionian Sea views

Dining: Homemade Sicilian breakfast and evening meals

Sea Access: Private cliff staircase with snorkel gear provided

Activities: Rooftop terrace, bike rentals, cooking classes

Services: Valet parking, airport shuttle, spa massages